Washington, DC, April 25, 2017 – The DC Jazz Lobby, a subset of the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation, will celebrate International Jazz Day, Sunday April 30th, by honoring 6 individuals with a program held at Busboys and Poets, Takoma location, from 6pm – 8pm. The DC Jazz Leadership & Service Awards will annually recognize individuals within the DC jazz Community who have worked to promote, support, and uplift members of the DC Jazz scene.

“Establishing an event that not only recognizes individuals that have worked to further the reach of Jazz in our community, but to help promote Jazz Appreciation Month and International Jazz Day is essential”, said Aaron Myers, organizer with the DC Jazz Lobby and board chairman of the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation. “With DC playing such a pivotal role in Jazz, I feel this is very appropriate.”

Jazz Appreciation Month was created in 2001 by John Edward Hasse, PhD, curator of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Last year, DC City Council-member Laruby May introduced a resolution recognizing DC’s involvement in Jazz as well as the influence of Women in Jazz. This year, a resolution was introduced by Council-member Robert White recognizing Jazz Appreciation Month, International Jazz Day while also recognizing the 100th birthday of Ella Fitzgerald. “I introduced the Jazz Appreciation Month and International Jazz Day Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2017 to recognize the local musicians who have made great contributions to the art form.” said At-Large Council-member Robert White. “It’s important to acknowledge the impact music and the arts have on our communities and on the molding of our young people.”

In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30th as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the Globe. Last year, Washington DC was the host city for International Jazz Day with over 100 artists attending an event at the White House hosted by former President, Barack Obama. With the creation of the DC Jazz Leadership & Service Awards, DC will annually have an annual set event that will be added to the roster of International Jazz Day activities worldwide.

This year, honorees will include: Nasar Abadey, Judith Korey, Dick Smith, Ellen Williams Carter, Dave Yarobough, and Sandra Butler Truesdale, with a ceremonial resolution being presented by Council-member Robert White. “I want to thank the DC Jazz Lobby and it founding members, as I am truly honored and privileged to receive this recognition at this point in my life.” said drummer and educator Nasar Abadey, who is a staple on the Jazz scene and mentor to many musicians. “It also gives me great pleasure to share this acknowledgement with such a stellar group of Jazz Musicians, Aficionados and Activists who celebrate the legacy of this great music. This commendation also coincides with my 70th Birthday this year, and 50+ years of paying tribute to this exceptional American Art form, as a professional performing artist.”

Over the last year, there has been an up tic in activism from members of the creative community in DC as performers and presenters work with the District Government to ensure spaces remain open and that contributions from creatives are included in the creative economy. Both last year and this year, legislation has been introduced to address and remedy concerns identified by these efforts.

“The DC Jazz Community owes a great deal of gratitude to these awardees for their service.” said Herbert Scott, Jazz saxophonist and Executive Director of the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation. “This event demonstrates the storied legacy of the men and women that are working to keep the DC Jazz Scene vibrant.”

(DC Jazz Leadership & Service Awards/ Sunday April 30th / 6pm – 8pm / Busboys and Poets – Takoma is located at 235 Carrol St NW, Washington, DC 20012. This event is free admission and open to the public.)

Production was done at House Studio DC (Jake Grotticelli engineer) in Hyattsville, MD

Mastering – Kyle Murdock

Spain:

Arranged: Aaron Myers

Song by: Chick Corea / Al Jarreau

So, who takes a jazz standard by the great Chick Corea, and puts a 21st century spin on it including: Opera, Jazz & Rap? This dude! We’ve taken Spain and incorporated the original Spanish language from the Concerto de Aranjuez sung by Aundi Marie Moore (who blew everyone away in the studio), combined it with the lyrics from Al Jarreau sung by Aaron Myers, adding the realness of rap by Pacman Slim, bringing the whole story together.

Tyler Leak (Drums)

Dave Kane (piano)

Percy White (Bass)

Aundi Marie Moore (Soprano Vocals)

Pacman Slim (Rapper)

Aaron Myers (Voice)

Herb Scott (Saxaphone)

Aaron’s Blues

Composed & Arranged by Aaron Myers

This blues came by accident. For years when I sang at the Black Fox Lounge, I was asked to sing a blues to open up my shows (mostly for sound check purposes). After a while, I developed some consistent lyrics that stuck. After a few years, my pianist (Oren Levine) suggested I go ahead and record it before someone else did…so here it is! My blues or “Aaron’s Blues.”

Aaron Myers (Vocals)

Ollie Wright (Piano)

Percy White (Drums)

Warren G. Crudup (Drums)

Herb Scott (Alto Saxaphone)

Lionel Lyles (Tenor Saxaphone)

Almost Like Being in Love

Composed By: Frederick Loewe

Lyrics by: Alan Jay Lerner

Arranged By Aaron Myers

I first heard Sammy Davis Jr. sing this song and fell in love. Then year after year, I heard other legendary singers add their spin to this song. I attempted to sing this song at one of my shows, and to my surprise I could see many people moving their lips to the song…I wasn’t alone, it was their favorite too. On this project, I decided to add my interpretation, with a mixture of Jazz & Soul.

Aaron Myers (Vocals)

Lionel Lyles (Tenor Sax)

Ollie Wright (Piano)

Waren G. Crudup (Drums)

Percy White (Bass)

One More Minute

Written/Arrange by Aaron Myers

This song was written about how I would imagine the situation would go if I were about to leave a significant other. How I would imagine I would feel during that process, one more minute, one last time. After living through these words, I must agree that my assumption was true, but it surpasses just intimate relations with others…but with many close friends and family members..we all want one more minute, before we have to say goodbye. That is, if the love is true.

Aaron Myers (Vocals)

Lionel Lyles (Tenor Sax)

Ollie Wright (Piano)

Waren G. Crudup (Drums)

Percy White (Bass)

Percy’s Intro

Aaron Myers & Percy White

I‘ve known Percy for years now, he knows my deepest darkest secrets, and if I decide to run for President, he’d have to be my Vice-President so that my secrets will stay safe. This is not our first rodeo!

Why I Sing the Blues

Written /Arranged by Percy White

This is ONLY A SONG as stated by Percy. I will not profess the same for me.

Aaron Myers (Vocals)

Ollie Wright (Piano)

Waren G. Crudup (Drums)

Percy White (Bass)

The Conversation

Aaron Myers & Geneva Renee

Geneva has a voice as I’ve described it, “when Disney met God!” We’re both Leo’s and at times, we get into a mess of trouble together, but we make such good music together as well. This conversation is a conversation we’ve had many times…on both sides. One day we’ll find “THAT” special someone. I’m sure her Prince will come soon!

Strong Confident Woman

Written by Aaron Myers & Geneva Renee

Arranged by Aaron Myers

This song was inspired by one of the strongest girls I’d ever met in College. “MK” (for short) stood her ground, stuck to her morals, and did not take any crap from the college boys (or men). She befriended me, and did not hesitate to call me on my crap when I needed it, but also with her beautiful voice, offered me a shoulder to cry on at times, but believed in me. MK…you’ll always have my heart!

Geneva Renee (Vocals)

Herb Scott (Alto Sax)

Ollie Wright (Piano)

Tyler Leak (Drums)

Percy White (Bass)

Black Lives Matter

Written & Arranged by Aaron Myers

This song is very simple. BLACK LIVES MATTER! I’m BLACK and BEAUTIFUL. I was born Black and will die BLACK. It is my hope that my life and death will not be determined BECAUSE of my color by society, but by my creator, in which according to some documents, I (and other Black people) have the right to LIVE. It is my goal to DIE of NATURAL CAUSES…and not by the result of a bullet, strangle hold, or altercation with law enforcement of any kind. #BlackLivesMatter

Aaron Myers (Vocals)

Pacman Slim (Rapper)

Herb Scott (Alto Sax)

Lionel Lyles (Tenor Sax)

Ollie Wright (Piano)

Tyler Leak (Drums)

Percy White (Bass)

Dedication

Aaron Myers

Marvin Dunaway (Haywood) was and will always remain a friend. I do not believe death ends friendship. He took me in as a friend and was a true friend. Also a Leo, he had spice, and had some of the best comeback lines I’ve ever heard. One of my only friends who didn’t drink, but didn’t need it to have a great time. To my knowledge, he didn’t have any enemies. A gentle soul, and a great example of what a man should be,

Winter Ray

Written & Arranged by Aaron Myers

Winter Ray was written as I sat at my piano and watched the snow fall. I tried to capture my feelings of loving the snow, but hating the cold. Of loving the snow, but missing my family and the warmth of Texas. Of loving the snow, but worried about those who could not actually be indoors in a safe space. Of loving the snow, and still worried about those sliding across the ice in their cars. Winter Ray is the first instrumental I’ve written and I was able to witness how the notes were interpreted by others.

Dave Kane (Piano)

Tyler Leak (Drums)

Percy White (Bass)

Herb Scott (Alto Sax)

Lionel Lyles (Tenor Sax)

O How I Love Jesus

Written By: Fredrick Whitfield

Arranged by Aaron Myers

This song I dedicated to my Grandmother Velma Sanders. She was in my first audience, and listened to me play this song on her upright piano for more hours than I could mention and she never complained. She was a soul that possessed so much light, could ease the tension of any moment with a smile, and could make you feel safe with a simple embrace. Because she was, I am.

Depression is real. As an artist, I live with it every day, and the operative word is “live.” It is not easy, and at times it seems as if I have no problems with the struggle. There are times when I feel on top of the world…for a moment. Then a tunnel surrounds me blocking out any affection or caring word I’ve ever heard from anyone else in my life. It becomes me at my most isolated, not selfish, state where although people are surrounding me, they have been blocked from my vision.

I remember hitting the bottom. It was during lunch hour on a Thursday. Homesick, pressured by the feeling of being inadequate, financial pressures and an overwhelming sense of anxiety had pushed me to my breaking point. As I wondered on foot in downtown LA, I walked across an overpass and stopped at its peak. I walked to the edge and grabbed the rail with my hands and watched hundreds of cars pass below. I stood their frozen.

A short period of discomfort followed by an eternal rest seemed more appealing than the inner turmoil I was experiencing, moreover it was becoming like the right answer. The sound of each car that passed below seemed to lull me deeper and deeper into a dark inner tunnel where death appeared to be the only solution.

Hearing people passing behind me did not distract me and no one seemed to stop. Maybe to them I did not appear to pose any danger, which as an entertainer, I was, and am, use to. Making people smile and feel at ease while one is dying inside becomes a habit, and even a type of medication. When I, and other artists, am on stage everything is ok. There is no drug on the market that can compare to the gratifying feeling of a loving audience. The show ends, people leave, they cut off the lights, and the artist is left alone.

As I became conscious of my breath, I felt the wind and began to smell the exhaust of the cars and slowly backed away from the edge. I was lucky, but there are others who are not.

The death of Robin Williams, just as the death of others also involved in the arts, resonates with me in a personal way. It takes a special person to channel all of the good in oneself to cheer or brighten someone else’s day while inside it seems like things are crumbling. He was an inspiration to me and will continue to inspire many more to come.

Depression is not a “state of mind’ or a temporary “feeling”, it is an ever present disease. If you, or someone you know, are coping with depression, seek help, encourage them to seek help, and do all you can to send as much positive energy and prayers their way.

Again, I was lucky that time. I am aware that there maybe a time in the future where I may not be so lucky. That awareness is the daily burden I, and others in my position, carry. Depression is real.

It is not often I run across a post on Facebook, or other social networks, that really captures my attention. Today was a much different story! As I scrolled through my newsfeed, I came across a post that not only captured my attention, but held my attention. The story of self truth realized through a tough experience. Letting his friends and followers into a personal journey that may be embarrassing for some to discuss, Actor, Best Selling Auther and founder of Natoni CosmeticsAnttoni Lopez shares the story of his personal relationship…and its end.

1 year married 2 years Divorced

By Anttoni Lopez

1 year married 2 years Divorced Written by Anttoni Lopez As I held the divorce papers in my hand all I could say was Did I fail? Did I try enough? Was it me? What happen? These are the questions I ask myself still till this day. This pain is a pain I never felt before. A feeling like your locked in a room and there is no way out. We started off dating March of 2011 I remember that day because that was the day you made your self known. You looked so handsome in your outfit and everytime I looked over my shoulder you was there. We didn’t exchange numbers that night, but I knew I would see you again.

Two weeks later we met at a mutual friends gathering and we hit it off. We talked for hours and forget everyone was there. We didn’t care because at that point we knew it was gonna be us. Before I left you that night you said to me “You know I’m going to marry you?” I laughed and said yea ok. By the 3rd week of March 2011 we officially became a couple. For the next 6 months everything was good and then we were selected to get married on the day the Same-Sex marriage bill was passed here in New York 7-24-11.

That day changed my life forever. All I ever dreamed about was being married, having a great career, and having my very own family. That changed! We would argue about anything and everything. At times it was just to much. Then 1 year later we had a big fall out and he packed his bags and moved out of our apartment. I was stuck and lost. I mean there was no cheating or lies on my part so why leave? For the next 4 months I tried everything and anything to win him back. I went to counseling and even tried to get marriage counseling for the both of us and it didn’t work. We went to one session and you told me I can’t do this no more.

I cried for so long because my life was falling apart. My career wasn’t going anywhere, my money was running low, my marriage was over, I lost friends I mean I didn’t have anyone. All I could do was turn to GOD and pray. What made it worst was that he was doing interviews and writing about me and our marriage calling it toxic and poisonous and I never mentioned anything about our marriage until now. I had to read all this from the man I say I do to and that made me feel like shit. It took me until March of 2014 to file for the divorce. I had to make the choice for me and my life.

The email I got from you after you got summoned for court was priceless. The part that hit me was this “THANK YOU for finally taking an initiative to resolve this broken union. I will be handling expeditiously. I am happy to be able to finally move on with my personal life and dedicate time to the person who has been by my side through this meandering transition of severing ties with you. If not for you, I would not have found my new relationship and real anchor in this journey of life.” Damn so you are still married and in a committed relationship? Sounds to me like adultery! Doesn’t it?

“I am very happy for you and your new found love” was what I said and it will be easier now for you to sign the divorce papers and for us to move on. In the past 2 years I have launched my own cosmetics line called Na~Toni cosmetics, I am working on my second book, and have been cast for some upcoming new films and projects, booking more photo shoots and fashion shows. Life couldn’t be better and I thank you for leaving me because I found a new me. All it took was 1 year of marriage and 2 years divorce for me to open my eyes.

What an amazing admission of self truth! I do hope you too will find strength in this personal story shared with us. It goes to prove that time stops for no person, and you determine what will be made of the time we all have left.

Washington, DC, May 13, 2014 – Jazz/Neo Soul Recording Artist Aaron Myers will perform his live Jazz show Friday, May 16th, 2014 at the Black Fox Lounge in the Dupont area of Washington DC from 9:30pm – 12:30am. For the last 4 years, he has given over 100 performances as Resident Artist, singing familiar Jazz standards and originals songs from his last album “Leo Rising” to a full audience; it is this full audience that adds to the feel of the days of old when people flocked to an intimate venue to experience the spontaneous creativity of live jazz. This week, he will introduce new technology to the old standards!

“We experimented with this technology at my last show as a practice round”, said Myers; “…this week I believe the viewing audience will experience the same feeling of intimacy the actual patrons feel in the room”. This technology is a new app called YEVVO.

YEVVO is an iPhone platform (which is also available for android users) app that works much like a social network; you get followers and you follow your friends. At the slide of a finger you can “go live” and your followers get notified to tune into this one of-a-kind live broadcast. The broadcasts are not saved, so much like seeing a live Jazz show, the audience gets the once in a lifetime experience with what they see and hear.

“I’ve found this platform to be a great way to expand ones fan base, but also a great way to introduce Jazz to a brand new audience all over the world.” Myers stated. Experimenting with the app at his last show, he performed to a live audience of 80 people at the Black Fox Lounge, while also live streaming his music and performance to 977 active viewers, who were also able to interact with him during the show.

The Black Fox Lounge is a well-thought-out repose located two blocks north of Dupont Circle, in the Northwest section of Washington DC. Opened in 2009, the Black Fox Lounge now offers live entertainment 7 days a week. This is not the first time technology has entered the realm of the Black Fox Lounge. Myers held its first live recording there in 2010, testing to see if the venue would support a good marketable product and was successful. “It is my hope that people across the world will be able to experience the Jazz Scene in real time, and see all the talent that is right here within the District of Columbia!”

In addition to his shows at the Black Fox Lounge every first and third Friday of the month (No Cover), you can also catch Mr. Myers on WPFW 89.3 “Live @ 5”, Wednesday, May 14th at 5pm EST.

October 22, 2013 (Washington DC) – DC Jazz/NeoSoul Artist Aaron Myers, Resident Artist at the Black Fox Lounge and Minister of Music at Covenant Baptist UCC, has recently been considered in five categories by the Recording Academy for the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. Entries are recordings submitted for GRAMMY consideration. Entries that meet all eligibility requirements are then voted on by The Academy’s voting members and the results of that vote are the nominations.

A native Texan, Myers moved to Washington after working as a field organizer on the campaign of then Senator (now President) Barack Obama. After working with the late writer Linda Grover at the Global Family Program, Myers made a pivot becoming a full time musician. Within a year’s time, he found himself playing weekend shows at then newly opened Black Fox Lounge and using his musical talents within his new found church. Four years later, he’s the Resident Artist at the Black Fox Lounge, and you can find him every Sunday at Covenant Baptist UCC serving as Minister of Music.

In April of this year, Myers recorded the Album “Leo Rising” at the legendary Avatar Studios in New York City, releasing it on July 4th. “Some people told me that I was brave to release my Album, which is primarily Jazz/Neo Soul, the same day as Jay Z released his, but I figured …if he didn’t mind neither did I” chuckled Myers. “I’m just happy knowing that more people will now have a chance to hear my music!”

“Lockett Consulting sends a special congratulations to our client Aaron L. Myers II for being selected for consideration for the 56th Annual Grammy Awards!” states Lockett Consulting and, “We’re so proud of you” is posted proudly on the website of the Black Fox Lounge. These are two of many congratulatory announcements recognizing this achievement, with Covenant Baptist UCC alerting its members during a worship service.

The recording industry’s most prestigious award, the GRAMMY, is presented annually by The Recording Academy. A GRAMMY is awarded by The Recording Academy’s voting membership to honor excellence in the recording arts and sciences. Myers summed up his experience so far by saying, “Just making it on the Grammy Ballot is awesome…and taking home the Gold would be awesome as well!”

Updates about Myers’ GRAMMY considerations and his album Leo Rising can be found on his website www.aaron2.me.

It was confirmed this morning that Aaron Myers will be sharing the stage with Singer/Songwriter Maureen Mullaney at the Black Fox Lounge Friday night January 27th. Both, while being long time staples at the venue, have always dropped by and teased audiences at each others shows with their energy, playfulness and talent. For a rare treat, they will finally join their musical efforts in a single performance that will no doubt electrify their audience.

Check out the Black Fox Lounge (1723 Connecticut Ave NW) Friday January 27 from 9:30pm – 12:30am for a Free Live Jazz Concert given by two staples in the DC Jazz Scene, Maureen Mullaney and Aaron Myers!

It is with a heavy heart that I pass along information regarding one of Gospel Music’s most influential people. Dove Award and Grammy Award winning Gospel Artist Bishop Walter Hawkins died today at the age of 61 of cancer.

As more information arrives, I will update the blog.

The music of Walter Hawkins played an influential role in my life, and the life of many others. Thank GOD his music will continue to live on and inspire generations to come!

At 1am this morning, Rue McClanahan, who was recovering from a stroke she had earlier this year, suffered a massive stroke and passed away at the age of 76.

A Oklahoma native, Rue moved quite often due to her fathers job (road builder). Rue was the classic example of staying the course. Success was not immediate for this Golden Girl, but she sacrificed, tried to be the best mother she could, and eventually…notariety followed!

Many remember Rue’s appearance on the show “All in the Family” as a wife of a “swinger” couple, but many in the 70’s remember her from her character portrayal of Vivian Harmon, a naive but lovable next door neighbor of Maude (played by Bea Arthur and later future costar of the Golden Girls).

However, much of her cult following comes from her portrayal of Blanche Devereaux in the hit 80’s sitcom “The Golden Girls”. With her sass, southern accent, and love for the opposite sex (or just sex period!), she spiced up our TV Sets and reminded America that you could be Sexy and over 50!

All who knew her, rather it through the TV or by working with her, respected her, loved her, and are truly at a loss for words on this day.

We’ve lost a Golden Girl today…and we are so thankful that she shared her Golden Light with us for a time. Rest in Peace.

The Twitter world is rolling right now! At once, all time linesl asked the same question….where are my followers???? Heartwrenched twitter maniacs, some already in tears, are scurying trying to see if they will have to start all over again.

CNN, FOX NEWS, ASHTON KUTCHER, and many many others have all been dropped down to ZERO! 0 followers = o following

Over the last few months the twitter world has become use to 3rd party applications not being able to update, over-capacity, and the constant hacking of their profiles (including vicious imposters). Recently Twitter has been toying with the idea of verifying accounts, and other meausres to ensure user protectivity. BUT will the twitter world recover from today’s actions???

There has been no update from twitter as of yet to keep calm or not to worry, other than we now know that it has to do with hackers, but I have no clue if this is a sign of things to come. Do you remember the constant updates from TOM at myspace that simply stated: MYSPACE IS NOT GOING TO CHARGE OR SHUT DOWN? How re-assuring! Well Twitter…we could sure use a statement to calm the fears of your many faithful users who are all headed staring at their computers in amazement!